An archive recording of virtuoso (master) violinist Jascha Heifetz. Without the aid of frets to help them, violin players spend years learning exactly where on their fingerboard they need to press to produce the pitches they need.

Most of the time the double bass sits in the shadows playing basslines while other instruments grab the limelight. However, every now and again, the double bass is used as a solo instrument, like in this example by Miloslav Gajdos.

In the right hands the electric guitar can be made to wail, shout and sing. Chuck Berry's guitar playing on the song "Johnny B Goode" has made it a rock and roll classic.

Violin

An archive recording of virtuoso (master) violinist Jascha Heifetz. Without the aid of frets to help them, violin players spend years learning exactly where on their fingerboard they need to press to produce the pitches they need.

Viola

You'll hear the viola is able to produce a much warmer, richer tone than the violin. It is more suited to melodies that are slow and graceful not fast and energetic.

Cello

This is the very well-known theme "The Swan" from Carnival of the Animals by Saint Seans. Played by Julian Lloyd Webber.

Double Bass

Most of the time the double bass sits in the shadows playing basslines while other instruments grab the limelight. However, every now and again, the double bass is used as a solo instrument, like in this example by Miloslav Gajdos.

Electric Guitar

In the right hands the electric guitar can be made to wail, shout and sing. Chuck Berry's guitar playing on the song "Johnny B Goode" has made it a rock and roll classic.